Basically any glaze is composed of three necessary parts fulfilling three needs. The first need is for a glass former and silica is the commonest of these, but with its melting point above the melting point of clay bodies it immediately creates the second need which is for flux. To prevent the two from being excessively fluid a third part is needed, alumina. At this point, diversification starts to be an option, as silica is not the only glass former and many fluxes and different stabilizers exist, leading to different colour, thickness, shine, adhesiveness and surface results. A quite complex field, right?
To respond to an often expressed need, La Meridiana has designed a glaze course that will take place for the first time Oct.27th – Nov.2nd 2013. It involves active research and continuous testing of materials and compositions so as to have a very wide range of results. The combination of empirical and scientific approach and the guidance through John Colbeck, researcher and instructor do makes this course a suitable one for both beginners and advanced and you will learn the glaze chemistry that will allow you to realize your own colour and surface finish dream. There are spots available, click here for further information http://www.lameridiana.fi.it/pottery_workshops_john_colbeck_44_13.htm
or write to info@lameridiana.fi.it